Who are we?
- Upper Island Assessment & Resource Service was formed in 1987 through the joint efforts of union and management working together to provide a unique program for their employees and family members. We are pleased to list our achievements.
- We are a private non-profit Society owned and operated in our community by those it serves. The current cost for membership is $57.00 per active employee per year. Dependent family members and retirees are covered at no extra cost.
- A voluntary Board of Directors defines and directs the vision of UIARS. This Board consists of employee and employer representatives allowing member organizations to have input into organizational direction and enables them to monitor their investment.
- We provide prompt, direct and confidential access for clients. Professionally trained, registered counsellors can address a wide range of clients’ personal concerns through assessment, short term counselling and referral services. There is no limit on the number of sessions individuals or families can receive in a year.
- We have offices in Port McNeill, Campbell River and Comox Valley to serve clients living in Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Woss, Sayward, Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos, Campbell River, Quadra & Cortes Islands, Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Denman & Hornby Islands, Royston, Union Bay & Qualicum areas.
- Our unique operating modality is based on a collaborative, community-based approach to employee assistance. The model has distinct characteristics that set it apart from all other employee and family assistance programs.
Our Uniqueness
The EFAP/ARS model is based on a collaborative, community-based approach to employee assistance. Since it was launched by MacMillan Bloedel and its five Canadian unions in 1980, the EFAP/ARS model has been adopted in 21 Canadian communities and one U.S. community to benefit 250,000 employees, retirees and family members. The model has distinct characteristics that set it apart from all other employee and family assistance programs:
- It is a non-profit service owned and operated at the community level by those it serves.
- There is no limit to the number of counselling sessions per individual or family.
- It provides a broad range on intervention, prevention and wellness services.
- It is affordable - a proactive, preventative-focused, employee benefit program. It provides services to all employees, retirees, and dependent family members.
- UIARS promotes an Employee, Family Assistance Program (EFAP) driven by a committee of concerned people within the organization representing both employers and employees. The objectives of the EFAP committee is to create an environment that encourages prevention, early recognition and resolution of personal problems, as well as to reinforce safe, healthy lifestyles and organizations.
Board of Directors
Our Achievements
Honors and Achievements of the EFAP/ARS Model
Our EFAP/ARS Model is the only Employee Family Assistance Program to be officially recognized by the United Nations
- Distinguished Service to Families Award
- Officially recognized by the Canada Committee for International Year of the Family
- Award for Best Business Achievement
- Work and Well Being Award, Canadian Mental Health Association
- Workplace Awareness Award, Canadian Mental Health Association
- Industrial Relations Management Association Award.